A romantic tale of sometimes too straightforward, sometimes too convoluted relationships, based on Jane Austin’s novel. Some may be disappointed, others rather surprised, as there are no bed scenes, not even a single passionate kiss in the film. So what kind of romantic rubbish is this? On the contrary – a creative enough story that doesn’t lack these elements at all.

The film is set in a time when society was still divided between the nobility and the rest, when dowry was looked at more than character when arranging a marriage. This in itself adds a certain comicality to the events and to several of the characters.

The basic core of characters in the film is the family of the phlegmatic Mr. Bennett, who has an awkward rather than sympathetic wife whose highest aim in life is to ensure the marriage of her daughters without much regard for who they marry.

Into the village comes the wealthy and at the same time kind and sympathetic Mr. Bingley, and with him his conceited sister and oddball friend Mr. Darcy. The Benetts immediately set Bingley up with the eldest daughter, Jane. The two get along quite well and seem to be hand in glove.

The second oldest daughter Elisabeth, who is the main character in the film, takes a shine to Mr. Darcy. However, they each cover up their emotional outbursts with cool demeanor and lots of puns, leaving them with nothing to do but fantasize about each other.

The film makes a striking mockery of the superficiality of entering into relationships and the naivety that allows ill-advised acquaintanceships to escalate into more serious, even devastating, affairs.

From the individual moments comes an indirect criticism of conceit and pointing out how people hurt themselves because of pride and prejudice, these two vices.

Darcy’s later gentlemanly behaviour is impressive, and could be a model for more than one contemporary man, as an example of valuing women and behaving respectfully towards them.

Parents Guide: The stupid behaviour of some of Elisabeth’s sisters towards men.

Cast: Keira Knightley, Talulah Riley, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Brenda Blethyn, Judi Dench, Carey Mulligan, Rupert Friend, Tom Hollander, Matthew MacFadyen, Kelly Reilly, Donald Sutherland, Sinead Matthews, Penelope Wilton, Peter Wight, Claudie Blakley, Simon Woods, Tamzin Merchant

Crew: Joe Wright

Great Britain / France, 2005

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